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Do you want to become a Paramedic? Our BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree will develop your theoretical and clinical skills at university and on placement. Paramedics are highly competent health care professionals who work in a fast-paced environment to provide urgent and emergency care across a range of challenging situations.

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

What's covered in the course?

To be a modern paramedic, you must overcome challenges, show initiative and demonstrate critically adaptive thinking, excellent communication skills and medical knowledge as the first point of contact in care provision for patients in stressful situations.

Becoming a professional modern Paramedic you'll need to be able to think critically, react appropriately in challenging and stressful situations, have effective communication skills and also have the knowledge and skills to deliver health care across the life span. You need to be able to do all of this whilst demonstrating empathy and care towards your patients and ensure your values and professional behaviour meet those required of HCPC to become a modern paramedic.

You will also become an effective member of the Paramedic profession by developing your medical and healthcare knowledge as well as clinical decision making skills and focusing on high quality patient centred health care. This will prepare you with the many possible career opportunities for the modern paramedic across settings such as clinical practice, education or research settings.

Where will I study?

You will study in our recently extended £71 million City South Campus, with access to cutting edge facilities and equipment that will enhance your skills learning. You will have access to advanced simulation facilities and environments that can re-create an emergency setting, allowing you to develop your hands-on skills right here on campus too. Our unique facilities are also useful to support you with any questions or queries before starting you real-life work placements.

See what our students say...

“Simulations at University use Sim Man; you can feel for pulses, it talks and breathes so you can treat it as an actual patient. It gives you more confidence when doing your first patient assessments.” Shaun Kemp

Why Choose Us?

The role requires quick thinking, clinical decision making, initiative and great team working skills with an ethical drive to provide patient-centred care. You will;

Students are satisfied with this course! We scored 93 per cent for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2017

Benefit from our clinical partnerships, such as the NHS and other medical institutions - this course offers the core skills of the discipline, and the encouragement to achieve your personal and professional goals

High graduate employability rate - 97 per cent of students went on to work or further study within six months of graduating from this course (Unistats 2015/16)

Clinical experience – you will spend a significant period of time gaining experience, building confidence and skills in clinical placements

You will work alongside HCPC Paramedics to bring you face-to-face with the realities of the role, giving a unique appreciation of the professional life ahead of you, supported by a dedicated, supportive and friendly teaching team, all of whom have many years of teaching and clinical experience

Online learning technology available 24 hours a day via Virtual Case Creator (VCC) software, which recreates a range of virtual scenarios to experience the practicalities of patient operations, assessment and care

Student loan finance - have you already studied an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second one in Paramedic Science? You may be eligible for funding.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team our Paramedic students were first to scene with Fire Service professionals in a simulated Major Incident Event, supported by Operating Department Practitioners, Nurses, and Radiography students creating a hospital and surgery at the University for a day.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma (Merit or Distinction in Science, Applied Science or Health and Social Care)

Intermediate GNVQ in Health and Social Care (Merit or Distinction)

Acceptable English GCSE Equivalents:

Key Skills Communication - Level 2

Functional Skills English – Level 2

City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy

Acceptable Maths GCSE Equivalents:

Key Skills Application of Number- Level 2

Functional Skills Maths – Level 2

City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracyor

Irish Leaving CertificateA minimum of five Ordinary levels at Grade B3 or above, must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.or

Scottish qualifications A minimum of five Intermediate Standard 2 or above, must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject.

Plus one of the following Level three qualifications which you may be working towards: (Except Access students - please see entry requirements below)

GCE A/A2 Level120 UCAS points from a maximum of three A/A2 Level passes, which must include one of Health & Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology or Social Science. A typical offer would be BBB. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted

GCE AS/A1 Level120 UCAS points from a maximum of two AS/A1 Level passes, plus a maximum of two A/A2 Level passes at Grade C or above, which must include one of Health & Social Care, Human Biology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology or Social Science. General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

GCE/AVCE Double Award in Health and Social Care120 UCAS points from A* A* profile or combined with UCAS points from a maximum of one GCE A/A2 level. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

BTEC National Certificate (NQF) in Health and Social Care Society, Public Services, Health and Development, Science or equivalents Acceptable only when combined one other Level 3 qualifications.

BTEC National Diploma (NQF) in Health and Social Care Society, Public Services, Health and Development, Science or equivalents 120 UCAS points from DDM profile.

14-19 DIPLOMAs in Society Health and Development To be achieved in Advanced Diploma or Progression Diploma 120 UCAS points from an A Grade.

OCR National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Science 120 UCAS points from an M1 Grade OCR National Diploma or National Certificate in Health and Social Care or Science Grade D. Acceptable only when combined with two other Level 3 qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma in a Health and Social Care Subject Full award (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 including 30 at Merit or Distinction, of which a minimum of 24 must be in a Science or Health related subject and 15 at Level 2 which must include Mathematics and English Language GCSE equivalent if you do not already have these two subjects at GCSE.

If an applicant is studying an Access qualification or has already achieved an acceptable Level 3+ qualification, but is missing an acceptable Level 2 qualification, then they will be asked to complete Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and/or English Language (as applicable) by the 31st July alongside the GCSE they are studying.

Foundation Degree Foundation degrees will be reviewed on an individual basis and will require a transcript of the content of the course.

Other qualifications:Applicants’ qualifications that are not listed will be considered on an individual basis.

International candidates:Those who meet residency/academic requirements of UK students but whose language is not English will need to hold IELTS with an overall score of at least 7.0.

All candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the programme, which are as follows:

Applicants are required to undertake an interview*

Whilst not essential it would be beneficial for applicants to possess a full clean UK manual driver's licence and where possible have provisional C1 entitlement added to their licence. Prospective students should be aware that whilst a driving license and category C1 are not requirements for acceptance onto the programme you should be aware that to improve your employability prospects following completion of the programme these should be considered as essential.

You must be physically fit and have the strength to lift and carry patients and equipment.

You must be able and prepared to undertake shift work e.g. night duty, evenings, religious festivals and weekends.

You must be prepared to travel to a variety of diverse and sometimes distant locations as part of your clinical experience.

Evidence of good health and good character are required which are assessed by occupational health screening and Disclosure and Barring Service report .

Candidates whose first language is not English are required to provide the original language test certificate to the Admissions Tutor as evidence of their proficiency and must ensure that it is, or is comparable to, IELTS level 7.0 with no element below 6.5.

Claims by students who wish to APEL are approved by the Personal Development Department on an individual basis.

*Interviews - Candidates who are successfully short listed will be invited to attend a selection event. This will consist of a presentation from one of the Paramedic team; attendees will also be offered a tour of Birmingham City University facilities and opportunity to talk to current students.

120credits needed for this course

Worried about exams? Don't be.

We've put together a whole host of resources including student tips and expert advice to help you nail your exams. You can even get a free revision guide.

UK or EU students

Award

Start

Mode

Duration

Fees

BSc (Hons)

Sep 2019

FT

3 years

£9,250 per year

Applications Closed

International Students

Sorry, this course is not available to international students.

The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.

This course is now full for 2019/20. You can apply for 2020/21 via UCAS from September 2019.

School or college experience

Non-accredited skills or achievement

eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Additional costs

We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, uniforms, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.

The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.

All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

The additional costs listed here are to be used for indicative purposes only and are based on the additional costs for the 2018/19 academic year. The additional costs for 2019/20 will be published as soon as possible.

Learning Support Fund

From 1 November 2017 you may be able to apply for elements of the learning support fund if:

Worried about personal statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

Student loan finance - have you already studied an undergraduate degree but would like to do a second one in Paramedic Science? You may be eligible for funding.

Year one

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Developing Clinical Practice

20 credits

Forming part of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Paramedic Science, this module is intended to further develop the fundamental knowledge and skills required for paramedic practice at level 4, and allow you to work towards achieving the competencies outlined by the College of Paramedics’ Curriculum Guidance and the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of proficiency: Paramedics. Furthermore, this module brings together the knowledge learnt in other level 4 modules allowing for subject knowledge to be applied in practice.

This module is designed to allow you to explore how biopsychosocial models and determinants of health, including the factors that influence social differences, needs and inequality, impact on an individual in health and illness. This will enable you to explore these issues in relation to the role of the paramedic and enable you to apply these in context to promote compassionate, effective care in the clinical practice setting.

The module will prepare you as a novice clinician to participate safely and effectively in clinical care and to support the paramedic in the pre-hospital environment. You will develop basic knowledge and skills related to managing ‘out of hospital’ patient care through evidence based assessment and treatment techniques. The module will provide you with a solid foundation for obtaining diagnostic information, making clinical and ethical decisions, initiating timely treatment, documenting and communicating information effectively.

The module focuses upon the principles and responsibilities that underpin fundamental safe practice for the paramedic.

You will gain the underpinning evidence base to identify and demonstrate safe professional practice in the clinical setting as you are introduced to direct and indirect factors that influence patient care delivery. You will consider the impact of these and explore how relationships between health care professionals and patients/carers can be enhanced through effective communication strategies to achieve desirable and agreeable outcomes.

A working knowledge and understanding of bioscience at the beginning of the programme is essential in providing the basis for future learning in clinical practice and providing holistic, patient centred care. The module will provide you with this essential knowledge and will encourage you to explore and develop your understanding. It will enable you to better apply clinical theory to your practice and to develop your skills as a practitioner.

This module focuses upon the basic principles and responsibilities that underpin your practice as an aspiring professional registrant with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It will introduce you to some of the topics that underpin care within the National Health Service (NHS).

On completion of this module you will have developed the reflective and academic skills required to begin identifying and addressing your personal and professional development needs. It is an expectation that as a student on Health Care Programme, you will have an understanding of evidence based learning and be able to apply these principles to your practice. The concept of evidence based practice will be introduced within this module and its application will be discussed in relation to the other modules in the programme.

Year two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Advancing Clinical Practice

20 credits

Forming part of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Paramedic Science, this level 5 module is intended to build on further from the fundamental knowledge and skills learnt at level 4 and allows you to work towards achieving further competencies outlined by the College of Paramedics’ Curriculum Guidance and the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of proficiency: Paramedics. Furthermore, this module brings together the knowledge learnt in other level 5 modules allowing for subject knowledge to be applied in practice.

Your study within level 4 and 5 has so far allowed you to learn the signs and symptoms associated with a diagnosis; this is an important way of building your clinical knowledge but in reality patients have a presenting complaint and list of symptoms for which you need to develop a working diagnosis, not the other way round. You will need to be able to sort through these symptoms and employ a range of advanced diagnostic skills in order to diagnose and make decisions on treatment and care pathways.

The focus of the module is on the development of key evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge and skills; and your ability to apply the knowledge gained to practice the workplace. The module offers you an opportunity to examine an aspect of practice based on relevant research evidence. It is designed to reflect the model of evidence-based health care by enabling you to formulate clear practice led questions, conduct an effective search of research-based literature, identify the best available evidence, critically appraise the evidence, and to use clinical knowledge to consider the application of the appraised evidence to practice

As a paramedic you will need to engage with a variety of service users, and this module has been designed to address the specific needs of women, pregnant women and children. You will be taught the knowledge and skills required to be flexible and responsive to these service users with a syllabus reflecting the range of anatomical and physiological differences at each stage of pregnancy and through the child’s life as well as those specific to woman’s health.

The need to think independently and critically is paramount to providing a safe and effective service to patients; especially in challenging circumstances. This module aims to allow you to explore, develop and practice the skills necessary to respond effectively and professionally to complex and high pressure situations.

The application of physiology and pharmacology in clinical practice is fundamental in providing high quality patient centred care. Additionally, an understanding of the scientific principles that provide the basis of clinical monitoring and investigation are essential to the operating department practitioner. This module builds on the knowledge you gained in the level 4 module Introduction to Bioscience. It allows you to explore the application of this knowledge in situations of injury and illness.

You will have the opportunity to investigate the use of pharmacological interventions specific to operating department practice and its use in effective care delivery, this knowledge will then continue to develop throughout the other modules you will engage in throughout the year.

Year three

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

The Application of Research and the Evidence Based Practice

40 credits

The aim of this module is to complete the preparation of the graduate practitioner for the start of their professional career. It will demonstrate that you can relate your theoretical knowledge to your practice by completing a small sized project; which will pull together the academic skills that you have acquired during your program and demonstrate that you can deal well with literature.

This module is designed to allow you to develop the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be able to assess, diagnose and treat a range of minor illness and injuries as well as provide health promotion and education and safely discharge patients with an appropriate treatment and referral plan.

In this module you will explore the concepts of leadership and followership, creating high-performing teams, identifying the importance of leadership behaviour and the application of these concepts to decision-making and problem-solving in clinical practice and non-clinical roles. You will also learn the importance of change management theory within leadership and an organisation.

Your study in this area will focus on Lean Methodology, a change management theory and process which has led to many patient centred NHS initiatives and continues to play a key role in the future of the NHS and as well as many other organisations and industries.

Forming part of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Paramedic Science, this level 6 module is intended to build on further from the knowledge and skills learnt at level 5 and allows you to work towards a higher level of skill appreciation similar to that of an advanced practitioner by achieving further competencies in addition to those outlined by the College of Paramedics’ Curriculum Guidance and the Health and Care Professions Council (2014) Standards of proficiency: Paramedics. Furthermore, this module brings together the knowledge learnt in other level 6 modules allowing for subject knowledge to be applied in practice at a higher practitioner level.

This course gives you a balance of both the academic, evidence-based approach to health care but also the hands-on, real-world training you will need to enter this vital and fast-moving part of the health service.

In your first year, you'll be getting the fundamental knowledge and skills for paramedic practice, whilst your second and third years are about both developing and enhancing those skills to allow you work flexibly in various settings.

You'll learn via a carefully-designed mix of academic and clinical modules and a rolling series of practical placements, with a mixture of lectures and project work. The course is designed to help you become a capable, competent practitioner steeped in the ‘6 Cs’ values of the NHS Constitution and become employable after you graduate.

Teaching breakdown

Overseas opportunities

While there is no formal placement opportunity overseas; we'll support you find placements outside the UK if this is something you're interested in.

Some of our previous paramedic students have briefly studied in countries like Vietnam, for instance, while some students choose to get exposed to third world healthcare delivery via short trips to places such as Nepal, though these are not classed as part of your official training here.

Practise your skills in SPACE

Filled with state-of-the-art equipment, our SPACE (Skills Practice and Care Enhancement) area is the perfect place for you to practise a wide range of skills at your own pace.

Watch our video to see how access to SPACE has helped our students to succeed.

Enhancing your employability skills

We are committed to developing Paramedic professionals who are capable of independent practice and also being members of interprofessional teams, while responding to the dynamic nature of professional practice.

After graduating from this undergraduate degree in Paramedic Science, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The modern paramedic is faced with new challenges of working in a wide variety of situations traditionally staffed by other health professionals and our course reflects this changing picture. That means you'll be able to work in the NHS, as part of an ambulance crew, or in one of the many emerging roles; for example in a minor injuries unit.

The independent sector is also rapidly developing and actively seeks to employ HCPC paramedics; giving opportunities in areas across the UK and abroad. There is also a requirement for off shore installations and ships to have medics on board and UK paramedics are filling these posts and finding themselves working on oil platforms in the Middle East and ships ranging from pirate patrols to cruise ships.

If you want to stay closer to home, the TV and film industry, motorsport event and music festival organisers all have a need for paramedics to ensure that the crew and crowds remain safe and are well cared for in case of an emergency.

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

BCU Graduate+

Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.

Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.

Graduate jobs

This course will enable you to work confidently and effectively in a wide variety of contexts. You might start your post-registration career in the health service, but you might also want to start a career in the military or with independent ambulance services.

Our alumni are enjoying stimulating and rewarding roles as a paramedic for organisations such as the NHS, military, private sector, abroad and in the lifeboat service.

100%...of students are in graduate level employment or full time study six months after graduating2016/17 DLHE Response

Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.

We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.

These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge learning facilities.

In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include a mock operating theatre and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.

Simulation Mannequins

We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.

The SIM men and SIM baby mannequins are complete with software, which is used to replicate real symptoms, and are enhanced by the manipulation of for example blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM Man can also “talk” to the students which adds another dimension to their use in teaching clinical skills and in simulation exercises

Skills Practice and Care Enhancement facility

The SPACE (Skills Practice And Care Enhancement) learning facility lets you further practice the skills taught in class, at your own pace and convenience.

It is fully stocked with the specialist items and equipment needed for procedures such as taking blood pressure, giving an injection, abdominal examination of a pregnant woman and caring for ill babies in an incubator.

Mary Seacole Library

The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.

Computer Facilities

The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:

Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity

Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD

Microsoft Office software

Research and statistical software

Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home

Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.

The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.

Meet our staff

The dedicated paramedic team have not only worked in core areas of paramedic practice within the ambulance service, but also in advanced practice settings, emergency care and critical care - experience that they'll be able to share with you on the course.

We also have close ties with the College of Paramedic Practice, the professional body for the sector, and have a very active research culture.

James Graveson

Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science

After gaining his initial foundation degree (distinction) in Paramedic Studies at Liverpool John Moore’s University in 2011, James began practicing as a registered Paramedic with the North West Ambulance. Since then he has practiced extensively in both rural and urban environments in one of the busiest trusts in the UK. In addition to his clinical duties he has adopted the role of a mentor and became an advocate for continuing higher education.

Whilst working full time as a Paramedic James continued with his own higher education to achieve a first class BSc (Hons) in 2013 and received award for consistent excellent academic achieved. At this time his passion for higher education and his special interests in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical examination and research grew.

James is now currently undertaking an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and decided to change the direction of his career by moving into higher education as a full time lecturer in order to continue his scholarly activity and pursue his research interests.

Since starting as a lecturer James has taken on the role of placement and simulated learning lead and is working on a number of publications, a PhD proposal and qualifications in teaching.